Music Biz Headlines, June 15, 2018
CNN covers Saskatoon's tribute to Joni Mitchell, Robbie Williams comes under fire, and the ascent of Jorja Smith. Others in the headlines include Xavier Rudd, Al Muirhead, Kendrick Lamar, Bodega, NOFX, Leon Bridges, Wares, Little Matchgirl, and Wang Chung.
By Kerry Doole
CNN travelled to Saskatoon for Joni Mitchell tribute
The long-awaited tribute to Joni Mitchell in her hometown of Saskatoon attracted not only local friends and fans, but also one of the world’s most influential news organizations – Dave Deibert, Star-Phoenix
Jorja Smith's debut album Lost & Found suggests her ascent is far from over
The 21-year-old British R&B singer has gotten co-signs from Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Stormzy and more, but she wisely resists calling in her famous friends – Del Cowie, NOW
Robbie Williams 'selling soul to dictator Putin' in World Cup gig
The singer is handing Russian leader PR coup by performing at opening ceremony, say critics – Mattha Busby, The Guardian
Al Muirhead continues to build on his jazz legacy
Becoming a solo recording artist was a long time coming for Al Muirhead but it was definitely worth the wait for the 83-year-old – Jeff DeDekker, Regina Leader=Post
Xavier Rudd's musical spirit sings to his passion for planet
“Creation is what I get off on. We're part of creation and a species of the Earth, though a lot of human beings seem to just be on the Earth. Different cultures and people fascinate me and there are still a few things that I'm hopeful for.” — Xavier Rudd – Roger Levesque, Calgary Herald
Kendrick Lamar's TDE Championship Tour didn't feel like a team effort
Though it was billed as a label showcase, SZA's absence made the Budweiser Stage tour stop feel more like a typical opener-opener-headliner show – Kelsey Adams, NOW
After three decades of offending everyone, NOFX finally loses its hard-earned punk rock cred
Long-running punk-rock act NOFX is known for its intentionally offensive humour, but even the band had to admit that recent jokes went too far – Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight
Bodega’s catchy critique generates a wave of excitement
Sometimes South by Southwest does indeed work the way South by Southwest is supposed to work. Case in point: Bodega, the Brooklyn art-punk quintet that took it by storm this year – Ben Rayner, Toronto Star
'They put us in a little box': how racial tensions shape modern soul music
While white Americana singers have infused more soul into their sound, black artists such as Leon Bridges still feel restricted by limited expectations – Jonathan Bernstein, The Guardian
Wares’ passion and place
The Edmonton four-piece brings its terrific debut across the nation with fire and heart – Matt Williams, The Coast
Fyre Festival organizer led scam ticket scheme while out on bail, prosecutors say
The organizer of last year's infamous Fyre Festival led a scheme involving bogus tickets while he was awaiting sentencing for wire fraud, New York federal prosecutors said on Tuesday – Eric Levenson, CNN
Everybody Have Fun Tonight: Q&A with Wang Chung ahead of Friday's concert
There are several mysteries in rock ‘n’ roll. Who wrote the book of love? Why do fools fall in love? For listeners of another generation, the burning mystery might be, what exactly does it mean to “wang chung tonight”? – Tom Murray, Edmonton Journal
Little Matchgirl lights up end of Soundstreams season
Ten years after he won the Pulitzer Prize for music, Torontonians have at last been able to hear live performances of American composer David Lang’s The Little Matchgirl Passion this season. It was worth the wait – John Terauds, Toronto Star
